Focus can mean a lot of different things in a lot of different contexts. I like the definition that describes focus as “a guiding or motivating purpose or principle”. With that broad definition, focus can be applied to many aspects of our lives…. Our vocation, relationships, spirituality, health, and even finances. Despite which aspect of life we are talking about, focus (or focal points) are necessary to provide meaning to our actions and give us a clear guide for our behaviors and decisions.
“When why is clear the how is easy”. – Anonymous
Having a focal point helps you answer the “why?” behind any action you take. For instance, I went for a walk this morning before work, not because I was bored or because I didn’t have anything better to do, but because I’m trying to focus on improving my health. That drove my decision and answered “why” I chose to get up early. Just an important, it also helps you understand and prioritize what you should say “yes” to (things that move you closer to your focal point) and probably even more important, when you should say “no” (when it could move you further away). For me, that means I had to say “Yes” to taking the dog for a walk last night and I had to say “No” to the delicious donut I saw laying on the counter at home (it definitely would have moved me further away from my focal point).Focus keeps us from spending unnecessary resources (time, abilities, money, etc.) on things that don’t really matter, and allows them to be made available for those things that do.So how do we improve our focus?
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure” Proverbs 4:25-26 ESV
The writer of Proverbs gives us some tips……look directly forward
...ponder the path of your feet
… all your ways will be sure
Focus is something we can work on, but it gets even more powerful when we invite others to participate. Be accountable. Tell a trusted friend, family member, pastor, financial planner, personal trainer…tell someone that cares for you. When you let others in on what you’re trying to accomplish and focus on, you’ll be amazed when you watch them come alongside you to keep you on the right path.
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